French farmhouse

I have an opportunity to buy a farmhouse in need of renovation in France. I would love your input and tales of your experience of moving to and living in France.I have the needed skills to renovate a property but as regards keeping animals and day to day living, I know their would be many unexpected obstacles and unusual things to encounter and overcome.Let's hear your stories and your advice please, thank you, Rob

I moved here to renovate an abandoned smallholding 6 years ago. Still loving the life. Main advice would be , if you don't already speak french, learn !!Be patient with bureaucracy, it moves slowly. If you like a more relaxed pace you're halfway to fitting in.

We had a place in France for 10 years. As others have said, learn French - I did evening classes and amazingly ended up getting an 'A' level.Make friends with your neighbours; ours were a godsend.Get a specialist dictionary of building, plumbing etc. terms. I got one that was broken down by subject, and it was invaluable.Be aware that when you go to your local builders merchant, armed with all the required specialist terms, they WILL ask you something you hadn't thought of. Just ask them to show you.Unless you are well away from everyone, don't do noisy jobs on a Sunday.Above all, Have Fun.